[Catch-All]

I have an F-250 Crewcab Lariat, 2000 year. I had put up with years of somewhat loose steering so I saw several YouTube videos and tightened up the steering via the steering box. That took the slop out of the steering wheel but now I have noticed that the truck's overall handling feels sort of loose.

Here are the symptoms:
*I can be steering straight on smooth road, no potholes and I'll notice that the truck drifts a little and I have to correct it a little.

*What really concerns me is that I can be steering straight and then the road curves right or left while getting on a highway access ramp. Even though I've turned the wheel to turn onto the ramp, the truck continues to go straight for a little and then the entire truck body seems to shift to the left (if turning right) or to the right (if turning left) and then "catch" and steer in the direction the wheel is turned. The truck body doesnt lean - it just moves right or left in the opposite direction of the gradual turn. WEIRD. It's like being on an air-hockey puck.

*I also occasionally get a popping noise from the right front end when I'm steering straight or turning slightly and braking lightly at low speed, like when I'm driving in a parking lot.

What could the problem(s) be with the front-end steering? I'm guessing something is worn out and has slop or play, resulting in the mushy steering I'm getting. Please help me narrow it down so I can talk intelligently with the mechanic I'm taking it to this week.

THANKS! Y'All have saved me time & trouble in the past - I hope y'all can help me out again.

Catch

 

[blue99stroker]

Jack up the front and check all the tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links,leaf spring bushing and spring hangers.



I bet the steering box is done though. Sounds like it's flat worn out and it's been adjusted too far.

 

[Catch-All]

Jack up the front and check all the tie rods, ball joints, sway bar links,leaf spring bushing and spring hangers.

I bet the steering box is done though. Sounds like it's flat worn out and it's been adjusted too far.

Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately I don't know the first thing about front end steering stuff so I wouldn't know what to look for. I reckon I'll have to take my chances with the mechanic and hope he doesn't do "reconnaissance by fire" repair diagnosis, i.e. start replacing one part after another until the problem finally goes away.

If it's the Steering Box the bite shouldn't be too bad. A Cardone unit list is only $132. With 20% online purchase/in-store pickup it's even cheaper at $105.77 + refundable core charge
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...icleIdSearch=-1&searchTerm=27-7569&showTitle=

Catch :frown2:

 

[blue99stroker]

Well if the steering box has around 200K+ miles it's probably getting some slop.

But a good mechanic should be able to move don't end components to see which is loose